Port Edward introduces interim CAO, notes of full staffing in Public Works in update

The District of Port Edward has outlined some notes of interest for the community through their monthly information program, with Mayor Knut Bjorndal providing an update on some Human Resources themes to open up the monthly over overview.

From the mayor's notes, the District has secured the services of an interim CAO, while the search for a full time senior staff member continues. Taking on the duties for the District until the search is complete is Elsie Lemke, who has provided consulting services for a number of communities since her retirement.

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Mr. Bjorndal has also noted for the community that the District's Public Works Department is back to full staffing, with five full time members now on duty, the Mayor observing of some of the challenges during the period of COVID in attracting workers to the District.

An update on the departure of the derelict vessel Fairwinds from the District included a thank you to Federal NDP MP for Skeena-Bulkley Valley Taylor Bachrach, along with other government Agencies including the Coast Guard who worked on the removal. 

As we noted earlier this month, the vessel is now set to be dismantled at a facility on Vancouver Island near Campbell River.

The  District Council took their oath of office on November 8th, the majority of the membership were re-elected from the previous council, with only Collen McDonald a newcomer, she takes the seat formerly held by Murray Krisoff who stepped aside this fall. 

In the monthly update the District's mayor also made note of the focus he and his Council will put toward issues of the Port Property Tax Cap and property assessments, that to take place in partnership with Prince Rupert. 

"This is a must win for both towns. Losing will result in a large tax increase  for both municipalities" -- District of Port Edward Mayor Knut Bjorndal

The monthly update also includes an advisory on recent wolf sightings in the community and what steps residents should take should they have an encounter.

The District council members will meet later this month on November 22md, the second to last meeting for the 2022 calendar.

You can explore the full review of events from the District  here.

Further items of interest from the District can be explored through our archive page.